I’m back from WPPI — the largest photography conference and tradeshow in the world.  And it’s large.  And sometimes overwhelming.  Last year was my first WPPI experience, and I was only 9 months into shooting weddings at the time.  Maybe I went too early … I barely enjoyed myself at the conference at all. Or maybe I just wasn’t taking enough risks yet — to meet the people I admired and to open myself up.

But this year — almost 2 years into shooting weddings — I had an amazing time.  While last year I felt like I was drowning in a sea of photographers who simply intimidated me … this year I felt happy, content, and blessed to share life, dinner, heart-to-hearts and walks around the tradeshow with many now close and talented friends.  I’ve grown so much since last year and I’ve learned that getting out of my comfort zone (if only even a couple times) is what I need to do in order to get to where I want to be.  This year at WPPI I felt surrounded and overwhelmed, yes.  But in a different, better way.  Surrounded by love & encouragement, and overwhelmed by talented & beautiful friends I could have missed-out on if I hadn’t pushed myself.

The best things come on the other side of scary. My friend, Jesh, said these very words (or something really close) during his WPPI presentation.  I feel like that sums up my past year for sure.  I still am far from being as brave as I’d like to be … but at least I can muster the courage to say ‘hello’ to seemingly intimidating people now.  And many of those simple ‘hellos’ have turned into beautiful friendships.  I think it was Jesh who also said that all our best friends were once strangers.  Good point.

A big part of why this year was special is owed to my dear friend who helps me to be more brave, Gladys Jem (thanks for introducing me to the dancing fountains at the Belagio — my new favorite thing!).  We shared a room and countless heart-to-hearts.   One night we sat in an amazing Mexican restaurant, crying over our margaritas about how happy we were, truly living our dreams.  I know it sounds cliche, but it’s still unreal to me.  Absolutely unreal.

I didn’t carry my own camera around (so much walking and all day long), so I relied on other cameras to get a few snapshots.  Below are Smilebooth shots from the Airhorns & Blazers party (with Gladys, Michelle, and Chris) and a couple Instax shots of my new friend Lara Casey and I.

One of my favorite WPPI memories is running into Lara in the hall and her getting this photo.  I was smiling so big that I closed my eyes and she said we should re-take it.  So I was getting ready for the next shot when the following conversation happened:

Lara:  Let’s take an eyes-closed photo.

Me:  Okay. Really? (already closing eyes).

Lara:  No. (laughing).

Clearly, some parts of WPPI will always be a little overwhelming for me ;)

To all my new friends … I love you!  xoxo, AM.

This girl is charming, cute and so fun to work with.  Victoria had the perfect look for a mini-shoot inspired by the bridal whimsy of j.crew and the like.  I’m loving how wedding and bridesmaids dresses are becoming shorter, more fun, and quirkier.  Brides are letting their bridesmaids choose what to wear more often and brides themselves are dressing less formally and with their own personal styles in-mind.  Two trends, that as a wedding photographer, I adore.

Thanks for being so fun to work with, Victoria.  You’re awesome!  And another huge thanks to Jennyface for her hair, makeup, and styling expertise.  I want to bring her along with me on every shoot :)

I am going to be OUT OF THE OFFICE (and state) for a photography conference until next week Friday (February 25th). I’ll be pretty busy while I’m away but I will try my best to respond to emails as I can.  Ciao for now!

I.am.so.excited.about.these.images.  The entire time I was shooting and editing them something pulled hard on my heart strings.  I love shooting stylish girls.  I love it.  I love shooting real girls who aren’t models … and showing them how insanely beautiful they are.  I’m just going to put this out into the universe now — this is my favorite thing.  I love shooting weddings but engagements, bridals and stylish portraits are what I thrive on.  The best decision I made this winter was to turn-down all paid work for 3 months and focus on learning, growing and shooting for myself.  The discoveries have been endless and I know exactly the direction in which I want to push my brand.

Sarah is so amazing and fun to shoot — such a natural beauty (enhanced for this shoot by Jennyface‘s makeup talent).  Sarah is one of my former brides and I adore her; I was very excited to have the opportunity to shoot her again.  Thank you, Sarah!!

No, these first two images are not tilted in-camera.  Sarah is actually bending that far backward!

I’ve been holding back (mainly because I’ve been so dang busy since starting my business), but I’m here to announce for real that I’m going to start offering way more stylish/fashionable (H.S. seniors and young women) portrait and boudoir photography (for now, boudoir is limited only to my brides).

Official announcements about the new extensions of my business are on the way in months to come.  But if you want to get on my calendar now, send me an email.  I’d love to hear from you and see if it’s a good match!

Ever since I was a kid there’s been a part of me (a tiny part) that loves being sick with the flu.  It’s the part where I lay in bed all day with tea and books (and now, with my iPad).  I have the flu this week … so I’m using the downtime to look all around for new inspiration and watch my guilty pleasure television shows — The O.C. and Gossip Girl.

I love this little dreamy/quirky film by Kinga Burza for Kate Spade (one of the most well-executed brands in my opinion).  Happy Thursday :)

I think it’s awesome … working in a profession where many of my clients become friends.  I shot Ryann’s amazing barn wedding last year and this week we did some solo shots of her all dolled-up in cute dresses.  This winter I have been especially working on indoor lighting and shooting.  Using reflectors and window light — or strobes/constant artificial lighting when necessary.  I’m learning a ton and finding that window light is one of my favorite things ever (as long as the window is facing the right direction).

Here are a few from our mini shoot.  Thanks for a fun morning, Ryann!  And for the mimosa, of course :)

Shot with the 35L, 50L, and 85 1.8 (thanks for all the tips on the 85L; I decided to pass on the seemingly frivolous upgrade :))  Besides, I firmly believe that it’s the vision … not the gear.